Two Red Deer goaltenders backstopped their team to a gold medal at the U19AA Canadian Ringette Championships.
Playing for the Ringette Alberta Zone 2 Blaze squad, Addison Luke and Aeva Lott went undefeated at the tournament, which was played in Ottawa, Ont. earlier this month.
"It was a big experience and one I'll definitely remember," said Luke.
"There was definitely some anxiety before games, but I was able to deal with that."
On April 5, Lott got the nod as the starting goaltender in the gold-medal game. She stopped 42 of 44 shots from the Cyclones de Quebec, to guide her team to a 6-2 victory. With this victory, Lott and Luke were the first Red Deer players to become U19AA Canadian Ringette Championships gold-medal winners.
"I had always been a part of Red Deer Ringette. Going to Zone 2 and experiencing this kind of win with a group of girls was great. The team was very much like a family," said Lott.
This season, Lott and Luke backstopped their Blaze team to the first-ever U19AA Black Gold league undefeated playdown season and went 17-0 in tournaments across Canada.
"We had a different bond than other teams," Luke said.
"We have a special level of trust and I think that's what got us to play better. We were always there for each other."
Luke said she was proud to share the crease with her fellow Red Deerian this year.
"When I first started playing goalie, Aeva was someone I looked up to. It's pretty cool that I've been able to play with my role model. I'd never had a goalie partner before Aeva. She's the best goalie partner I could ever ask for. She's super supportive and literally the best," said Luke.
Lott added: "I had goalie coached her growing up. It was amazing having the opportunity to play with her, especially in my last year here. I thought it was nice to have that hometown connection."
While Luke will return to the Blaze next season, Lott has aged out of the U19 program. Lott said she will try to join the Rocky Mountain Rage, which is a new franchise in the National Ringette League.
The Zone 2 Blaze coach, Chris Kelly, is also from Red Deer. Lott praised him for all of his work behind the bench.
"The time he takes to travel and all the effort he puts in to support the team, while also having a family and job here in Red Deer — I think it should be noted by everyone. I appreciate all of his help, and the dedication he's put into this sport and our team," said Lott.
Editor's Note: The article previously stated the Zone 2 Blaze played three games at the U19AA Canadian Ringette Championships. This was only accounting for the championship rounds. The team played eight games in total.
